https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/april-2025-forum-hangout-charting-band-dynamics-more-beginner
In this Forum Hangout, we chart a popular bluegrass standard, then talk band dynamics, rhythm guitar fills, and more! Don’t forget to download the Nashville Number chart!
Great video chat Guy’s sorry I wasn’t up to to taking part. Was in the garden all day on the hottest day and it just drained me of all my energy. Tonight the family are out overnight attending a wedding and I am dog sitting. He has not been on his best behaviour so I am not sure that I’ll get much sleep
On the video you showed of Tony Rice And his band, Doyle Lawson Was playing loud chops. Then as the chorus came up he got quieter and it almost looks like he’ lightly strumming instead of chopping. Do you think he’s lightly strumming or Lightly chopping? Is that a dynamic thing? I’m just starting mandolin so 
can you mando mankind help me?
Yah Bless,
Chicken Wing!
He’s still chopping—you can tell because his LH fingers are lifting up—but he’s not chopping as hard with his RH, as you noticed. It could be an intentional dynamic, it could also be a natural drop in intensity because more of his focus is going into singing tenor. The volume drop might also be slightly exaggerated when we listen to it, since the vocals are taking up more space.
That Makes sense! Thanks!